Global/International Studies: What Can I Do With This Degree?

International Business Management Human resources Labor relations Banking and finance Economics International development Real estate Sales Marketing Product management Healthcare administration Agricultural economics

Employers Domestic and foreign corporations Multinational and service firms Global small and medium enterprises Domestic and foreign financial institutions International marketing firms International real estate firms International trade firms Contracting and consulting firms Convention and visitors' bureaus International airlines Transportation, travel, and hospitality industry

Information & Strategies Learn at least one additional language. Spend a semester studying abroad. Seek an international internship, even if unpaid. Obtain volunteer, part-time, or summer experience at related organizations. Make personal contacts within targeted businesses. Learn about NAFTA, WTO, and GATT policies. Develop your skills domestically and begin to develop a network of contacts if you want to pursue a career abroad. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking leadership roles in student organizations. Learn about geography and international travel regulations. Sharpen your public speaking skills and communication skills between cultures. Make a commitment to continuous growth in understanding cultural diversity. Keep abreast of political, economic, and social changes worldwide. Increase cultural awareness and sensitivity for foreign markets and people. Develop an understanding of the international business environment. Research firms with international interests.

International Relations/Government International law Diplomacy Foreign affairs Public service Institutional/Community development

Employers United Nations Relief organizations Religious organizations Nonprofit organizations/corporations Educational institutions Consulting firms Research institutes Foundations National security council (NSC)

Information & Strategies Participate in an overseas mission experience. Plan to study abroad or participate in an international work experience. Learn a second or third language. Demonstrate your depth of dedication, willingness to adapt, and coping mechanisms to combat stress and difficult situations. Develop skills in the areas of organizing groups, efficiency, and the ability to calm people. Develop excellent research, writing, communication, and organizational skills. Acquire supervisory skills and experience by taking leadership roles in student organizations. Learn about geography and international travel regulations. Sharpen your public speaking skills and communication skills between cultures. Learn to see all sides of a problem, including economic, social, political, and environmental. Learn to work well on a team. Earn a relevant graduate degree such as international diplomacy, international relations, or law.

Nonprofit/Government Human services provision Public health Disaster/Disease relief Policy development Program administration Program evaluation Volunteer coordination

Employers Private voluntary organizations Nonprofit organizations International organizations Humanitarian services Government agencies with an international focus Relief organizations Associations, societies, research institutes National Security Council United Nations Defense contractors U.S. Peace Corps U.S. Foreign Service USAID Armed Services

Information & Strategies Study abroad while in school. Learn one or more foreign language. Develop excellent research, writing, communication, and organizational skills. Develop networks. Complete internships in related areas. Participate in an international service learning experience or go on a mission trip. Federal international jobs require careful observation of a formal hiring procedure. Research the international organization/agency's structure and function. Volunteer at relevant social service agencies to gain experience and demonstrate interest. Volunteer in health related settings such as the American Red Cross. Develop good working knowledge of international humanitarian law. Demonstrate strong analytical and management skills. Government work in the foreign service requires passage of the Foreign Service Exam, after obtaining a master's degree or significant work experience.

Language Services/Education Teaching Curriculum development Interpreting Translating Research and writing International student support services Study abroad programming

Employers Public and private schools abroad Community organizations Federal government agencies English language institutes Overseas dependents' schools Religious and volunteer organizations Colleges and universities

Information & Strategies Gain practical domestic teaching experience and necessary training or certificate to teach abroad. Research certification options (TESOL, CELTA, CELTC, TEFL). Obtain certificates from schools whose graduates are hired in the international marketplace. Teaching training should include supervised classroom experience. Consider obtaining intensive TELS (Teaching English and a Second Language) training. Volunteer to tutor children and adults in English. Learn other languages to help understand how languages work. Sharpen intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance. Develop superior written and oral communication skills in the English language including proper sentence structure and comprehensive vocabulary. Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability to translate or interpret international visitors. Minor or double major in another subject that you could also teach. Earn a master's degree in college student affairs to work with study abroad programs or with international student services.

Journalism Foreign news correspondence International broadcasting Reporting Editorial/Column writing Investigative journalism Research Photography Freelance work

Employers Foreign news agencies TV networks Large circulation newspapers Wire services Trade newspapers Online publishers Labor unions Academic journals International newspapers Magazines Museums Self-employed

Information & Strategies Obtain a summer job or internship with a newspaper. Demonstrate curiosity, high energy level, ability to produce under pressure, and withstand criticism. Develop excellent grammar and writing skills. Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published. Join a professional journalism organization. Research international newspapers. Gain experience with campus newspaper or media. Travel or study abroad.

General Strategies

• Entry-level positions are generally in the U.S., with mid-level positions involving some international travel. Corporations hire employees with the most experience or skills set for overseas work.
• Target larger firms that may be more likely to employ contracting services.
• Develop linguistic skills. Learn a second and third language.
• Demonstrate intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance.
• Gain experience in communications with people from other countries. Get to know international students on your campus.
• Live and/or work abroad while in school.
• Commit to a continuous study of host country’s language.
• Develop a good understanding of etiquette and business practices in country of target.
• Look for temporary positions abroad.
• Obtain daily papers in target city to determine international and national news, business features, real estate markets, and community calendars.
• Work domestically with an international firm as a contract representative.
• Develop traits such as creativity, initiative, tenacity, a willingness to take risks and an adventurous spirit, and a sense of humor.

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